Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik

The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik offers a remarkable opportunity for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Sailing past the charming Icelandic islands, this tour provides unparalleled views of the captivating Aurora Borealis, accompanied by the chance to spot elusive whales and dolphins. While the appearance of the northern lights cannot be guaranteed, the tour’s strategic location and experienced guides maximize the chances of witnessing this mesmerizing natural phenomenon. With comfortable onboard amenities and panoramic observation decks, the cruise promises an unforgettable experience that leaves one deeply immersed in Iceland’s breathtaking coastal landscapes and the mystique of the aurora borealis.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Reykjavik.

Key Points

• This tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of a yacht in Reykjavik.
• The yacht sails past small islands to areas with minimal light pollution, providing the best possible conditions for spotting the vibrant northern lights.
• Experienced guides accompany the tour, providing information and assistance to guests.
• The tour includes panoramic views from spacious observation decks, as well as the chance to spot whales and dolphins.
• The tour is accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible yacht and easy access from the Old Harbor in Reykjavik.

Overview

The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of a boat, departing from the city’s old harbor.

Sailing past small islands, the tour takes guests to an area with minimal light pollution, providing the best possible conditions for spotting the vibrant green, pink, and purple hues of the northern lights.

Along With the main attraction, passengers may also catch glimpses of whales and dolphins along the way.

The tour includes professional guides, panoramic views from the spacious observation decks, and the chance to warm up with drinks from the onboard bar.

Inclusions

Along With the panoramic views and the chance to potentially spot whales and dolphins, the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik includes several other key inclusions to enhance the overall experience for passengers.

Onboard, visitors can purchase drinks and snacks from the boat’s bar. The vessel also features spacious observation decks, allowing passengers to take in the stunning scenery in comfort.

Professional guides are on hand throughout the tour to provide information and assistance.

Plus, all fees and taxes are included in the price, and passengers can make use of the restroom facilities and Wi-Fi available on board.

These thoughtful inclusions ensure an enjoyable and well-equipped cruise experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Passengers meet for the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise at the Old Harbour House in Reykjavik, where they’re advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.

This allows ample time to check-in, get situated, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

The cruise departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, where passengers will board the spacious and comfortable yacht.

The meeting point is conveniently located, making it easy for travelers to find and access the starting point of the tour.

With clear instructions provided, guests can feel confident they’re in the right place to embark on the Northern Lights excursion and maximize their chances of witnessing the stunning natural phenomenon.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour, and service animals are allowed on board. The cruise is located near public transportation, making it accessible for travelers. Strollers can be brought on the wheelchair-accessible yacht, and most participants can easily join the excursion.

Refunds aren’t provided, but a free return tour is available if no northern lights sightings occur. The maximum capacity for the cruise is 125 travelers.

This information ensures guests are aware of the tour’s policies and accommodations, allowing them to plan their experience accordingly. The cruise provides a comfortable and accessible way to witness the stunning northern lights display.

Reviews

The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik has received 4 out of 5 stars based on 339 reviews. Passengers have generally had great experiences, with many praising the opportunity to see the colorful northern lights and the comfortable boat.

However, some negative reviews mention a lack of northern lights sightings, the proximity to the city lights, and issues with the tour guide. While the majority of reviews are positive, a few customers were disappointed when the weather or other factors prevented them from seeing the elusive aurora borealis.

Northern Lights Sightings

While some reviews mentioned a lack of northern lights sightings, the cruise offers a prime opportunity to potentially witness the colorful aurora borealis.

The yacht departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and sails to areas with minimal light pollution, providing an ideal vantage point to observe this natural phenomenon.

With spacious observation decks and panoramic views, guests can scan the skies for the mesmerizing display of green, purple, and blue lights dancing across the night sky.

Although sightings aren’t guaranteed, the cruise’s strategic location and timing increase the chances of capturing this breathtaking spectacle.

Professional guides are on hand to provide insights and ensure an engaging experience for all.

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Along With the stunning northern lights, the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise also offers guests the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins during the journey. The spacious observation decks provide panoramic views of the surrounding waters, allowing participants to keep a watchful eye for any signs of marine life. With the guidance of the onboard professional staff, cruisers can learn to identify different whale and dolphin species, enhancing their overall experience as they explore the serene waters off the coast of Reykjavik.

Species	Likelihood of Sighting	Description
Minke Whale	High	Sleek, black-and-white whale up to 10 meters long
Humpback Whale	Moderate	Large, majestic whale known for its acrobatic breaching
Bottlenose Dolphin	Moderate	Intelligent, sociable dolphin with a distinctive beak-like snout
Harbor Porpoise	Low	Small, shy cetacean often spotted near the shoreline
Orca (Killer Whale)	Low	Powerful, black-and-white whale at the top of the food chain

Onboard Amenities

Beyond observing the whales and dolphins, the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise also provides a range of onboard amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers.

The spacious observation decks offer panoramic views, allowing travelers to take in the stunning scenery.

Guests can warm up with drinks and snacks from the onboard bar, which serves a variety of beverages and light refreshments.

The cruise also features professional guides who provide information and commentary throughout the journey.

Plus, the boat is equipped with a restroom and offers Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy for passengers to stay connected.

These thoughtful amenities contribute to the overall comfort and convenience of the Northern Lights Yacht Cruise experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Cruise?

The dress code for the cruise is casual. Travelers are advised to wear warm, weatherproof clothing as the cruise takes place outdoors on the water, where temperatures can be cooler. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks onboard. The cruise offers a bar where you can purchase drinks and snacks during the tour. Outside food and beverages are typically prohibited to maintain the experience for all guests.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Cruise?

There’s no minimum age requirement for this cruise. Infants can join the tour, though they must sit on a parent’s lap. The tour welcomes all travelers, from children to seniors, and provides accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs.

How Long Does the Cruise Typically Last?

The cruise typically lasts 2-3 hours. It departs from the Old Harbour and sails to an area with less light pollution to maximize the chances of seeing the northern lights. The exact duration may vary depending on weather and sighting conditions.

Can I Store My Luggage on the Boat During the Tour?

The cruise does not offer luggage storage. Passengers are expected to carry their belongings with them throughout the tour. There are no facilities on the boat to store large or excess luggage during the cruise.

Recap

The Northern Lights Yacht Cruise offers a unique and immersive way to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis in Reykjavik.

While sightings can’t be guaranteed, the tour provides the best possible conditions with professional guides, panoramic views, and the chance to spot whales and dolphins.

With its comprehensive inclusions and positive reviews, it’s an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Iceland’s northern lights from the comfort of a boat.